Page 59 of Ash

Steam seemed to rise from the warm puff of bread, but even if it was too hot to eat, he'd gladly suffer through the burning pain to taste it, especially from her perfect fingers.

He made to move to take it in hand. He leaned forward and she held the roll steady in her hand as he took a bite.

And there it was.

One of his favorite memories of his childhood brought back in the best possible way.

In the hands of his mate.

She made him his favorite treat and earned a bigger part of his heart along with it.

They'd both offered to stay and close up with Hetty, but her partner had reminded her that they'd done most of the cleaning and prep for the next day earlier. All that was left was a wipe down of the surfaces and locking the door.

She'd sent Suzannah on her way with Ash walking beside her.

Ash walked her back to her house and stood beside her at her door as she fumbled with her keys. His nose and lips trailed over her skin right where he said he'd have to bite her to mark her body and seal their bond.

He barely touched her, but it built up the fire that had been burning inside her, bringing it almost to the point of burning her with its flames.

"Open the door,mate."

She shivered at the touch of his breath against her neck. Her breasts swelled and her nipples tightened. He put his free hand on her hip and the weight of it rolled the elastic of her panties just the littlest bit, but that simple sensation made her wet.

"I... I can't concentrate."

She swore she felt him smile even though she couldn't see the expression on his face.

She felt his larger form and his heat pressing against her back and instead of spurring her along to get them inside her home, she flattened her hand against the door, her keys trapped between. Suzannah pushed back against him and gasped when she felt the heavy proof of his arousal pressing against her backside and the head resting against her lower back.

"Ash?"

His body froze against her, the only sign that he was still present was the twitch of his cock against her.

He was holding his breath.

She knew the sensation because she was close to it herself.

He was holding back. For her.

"Ash. I want to be your mate."

She felt him breathe again. Felt the surge of air into his body.

"You will, Suzannah." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to the back of her head, so very gently. "When you're ready."

Her whole body felt like she was shivering and burning at the same time.

It had to be because of how near he was.

How hungry she sensed they both were.

"I'm ready now, Ash. I-"

She knew how close she was to his bear in that moment when his hand shot out and the door swung inward, tilting awkwardly on its hinges.

"Where?"

Suzannah swore she could hear his bear's voice mingling with his own, but it wasn't in her head. It was coming from his throat.

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